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The Department of Economic Development, under the custodianship of Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Nkuli Mbundu today, 6 April 2022, hosted business stakeholders from Region B and C at the Phelindaba Chambers in Roodepoort.

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry are key partners in this event, which looks to provide a post-Covid analysis on the impact of the pandemic on business, and discuss viable immediate, and short to long term resolutions to mitigate the challenges.

In line with the Multi-Party Government’s key priority of making Johannesburg a ‘business-friendly city’, the City of Johannesburg engaged with businesses to understand the impact Covid-19 has had on their businesses and how the City can respond to these challenges to provide better support in their recovery and growth.

Among the challenges highlighted by business is the need for consistent and reliable energy supply, burdensome cost of power cuts on business productivity and output. Other issues raised include crime and safety, compromised infrastructure and environmental health and safety concerns.

“We know the challenges faced by business, and while it’s important to host stakeholder engagements such as these, what’s most important is that we follow through with execution. It’s important that we get the basics right by ensuring the necessary services, utilities and infrastructure are in place for business to thrive.

“This as a standard helps us create a business enabling environment that contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. We know that Joburg has the capability to become that City,” said MMC Mbundu.

The Department of Economic Development’s Trade and Investment, Integrated Regional Economic Development and Economic Development Facilitation Units are planning an investment retention drive to address the challenges experienced by stakeholders throughout the City of Johannesburg. 

Issued by Joburg MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nkululeko Mbundu